Making an Army PPM or DITY Move

Army moves don’t have to be stressful

Choosing to do a PPM for your Army permanent change of station (PCS) move can either be complicated or calm, depending on the moving service you choose.

By working with a military-friendly DIY moving service like U-Pack®, you can have a stress-free, affordable experience. Let’s review what a DITY move is, why soldiers choose one and how the process works.

What is an Army DITY move?

An Army Personally Procured Move or PPM (formerly known as a DITY or Do-It-Yourself move) allows you to choose a moving service, rather than relying on government movers. Doing a PPM means you’re responsible for planning the move, paying for services upfront and then seeking reimbursement.

Who is eligible for a PPM?

Soldiers who receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders within the continental U.S. (CONUS) are typically eligible for a PPM.

Benefits of a DITY move

Many service members choose PPMs for control, flexibility and privacy. Instead of being on a government mover’s timetable, it’s easier to schedule movers at a time most convenient for you and your family. And by handling the packing, you ensure strangers do not handle your belongings.

Is it true you can make a profit on a DITY move?

The military will reimburse you 100% of the expenses they would have paid a government-contracted moving company, which means you get to keep the difference after paying your PPM expenses. Check out this DITY Move Calculator for more information.

Easy checklist for Army PPMs

After you've confirmed PCS orders with the transportation office (TO), check out U-Pack’s complete guide to military moving and download our printable PCS checklist to help keep your move on track.

Here are the next steps:

1. Download the Army PCS mobile app

Launched in April 2020, “Army PCS Move” is available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. It is a centralized hub of information on military moving, including paperwork and proper procedures.

2. Reach out to the Relocation Readiness Program

The Army Relocation Community Service Readiness Program offers a comprehensive support system to assist during and after a move. Services include planning resources, counseling, orientation and a household goods lending closet.

3. Choose a military-friendly moving company

The Army advises soldiers to choose a company registered and approved with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Approved long-distance moving companies, including U-Pack, have experience with military moves, offer discounts for service members and understand the need for weight tickets for reimbursement.

4. Request travel vouchers from DFAS (if eligible) and submit your itinerary

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) processes PCS vouchers for Army military members. They offer an Army PCS Travel Voucher Guide with instructions for soldiers. Along with your TO, DFAS can answer specific questions about your eligibility for advanced travel pay and the specific types of receipts you may need to submit for travel reimbursement.

You must provide an itinerary for Army PCS travel to the TO. If driving, plan a route to the new location and make reservations for overnight stops to stay within your per diem budget. If flying, provide airline receipts with ticket numbers.

Note: Advanced travel payments may not be authorized for Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) holders. Contact the TO for specific details.

5. Submit all required forms and receipts to the Installation Finance Office

Turn in itemized receipts for your moving-related expenses, including mover invoices, packing supplies, certified weight tickets, fuel costs and toll fees. Reimbursement payments are typically dispensed 2-6 weeks after submitting the claim.

Along with receipts, these completed documents are required for reimbursement:

• DD Form 2278 (Application for Personally Procured Move)
• DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher)
• PCS orders and any amendments
• PPM checklist or counseling documentation
• Direct deposit information

Learn more about paying for your military move.

What to do after an Army move

Look into the resources offered by the Army Family Team Building Program after your PCS is complete. The program offers local support in helping soldiers and their families adjust. It provides education about the military, what to expect while living on base and other services available at the new station.

U-Pack can help with your Army PPM or DITY move

Let U-Pack help with your PPM. You handle packing, and we’ll transport your things — without the hassle of driving a rental truck. 

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a quote, and don’t forget to ask for your military discount and weight tickets! You can also request a free quote online and use the coupon code MIL50. 

Please let us know if you have questions about how U-Pack works. Thank you for your service!